ANTIQUES

Philly artist Frank H. Taylor's painting will go up in value

This Frank H. Taylor watercolor painting would sell in the $250 to $500 range. (Courtesy of John Sikorski)

By John SikorskiColumnist

Published: Saturday, February 2, 2013 at 6:30 a.m.

Last Modified: Friday, February 1, 2013 at 1:46 p.m.

Q: I am in possession of three Frank H. Taylor watercolor paintings, and would like to know if there would be interest in these, and if so, their approximate worth. My family is from Philadelphia, and these paintings have been in my family for more than 80 years.

K.W., Internet

A: Frank H. Taylor, 1846-1926, was a Philadelphia artist. He produced a variety of landscapes, portraits of soldiers, marine and illustrations. Thus far, his paintings have sold for less than the $1,000 range. Currently, I think your watercolors would sell in the $250 to $500 range each. It would be wise to keep them for now or even pass them on in the family, as I suspect his work, especially being a Philadelphia artist, will go up in price.

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Q: I am enclosing a photo of a mezzotint print of a woman that is signed by Robert Burton Webb. There is a seal in the left-hand corner of the print. It is in the original frame and has been in the family for more than 50 years. I am curious to know if this has any value. The frame, itself, is in good condition, but the print is in excellent condition.

I., Internet

A: I was not able to find any information about the artist R.B. Webb or any record of sales. The picture of the young woman fashionably dressed wearing a coral necklace is a beauty of the Victorian era. I think it would sell in the $100 to $200 range.

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Q: My wife is in possession of his-and-hers walking canes that either belonged to her grandparents or great grandparents. The canes are made of bamboo and measure 33 and 35 inches, respectively. All the metal couplings, tips and horse-head handles are made of brass. The tips are well worn and show much usage during their time. The canes unscrew into four pieces, including the tops of them.

I searched for any markings, but could not find anything. My wife and I would certainly appreciate any information you could pass along our way as to the approximate age, background, value and collector interest in these old family heirlooms.

K.F., Fort White

A: Walking sticks and canes are a fascinating category of collecting. The variety of styles and types is practically endless. The two canes you own, more than likely, belonged to the grandparents. They are oldish reproductions and of no collector interest. They are made in sections to allow one to take them apart for portability, something not found in 18th and 19th century canes. Potential dollar value is catch-as-catch-can.

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Q: I am doing some research for my in-laws who have an extensive collection of Snoopy collectibles that their deceased daughter collected for about 45 years. The collection is fairly extensive, in excellent shape and in original packaging. The collection includes a book autographed by Charles Schultz with a hand-drawn picture. We have photographed the collection and have done some research on the items, but we have no clue as to where to go from here. Can you offer any suggestions?

M.D., Old Town

A: I assume you are considering selling the collection. I suggest you contact Hakes Auction Company. They specialize in the category. The website is www.hakes.com. Let us know how things work out.

John Sikorski is an Ocala antiques dealer. He hosts a call-in radio show, "Sikorski's Attic,'' on WUFT-FM (89.1 FM). It can be heard each Saturday from noon to 1 p.m. Send your questions to Sikorski's Attic, c/o The Ocala Star-Banner, 2121 SW 19th Ave. Road, Ocala, FL 34471-7752, or email absantique@aol.com.

<p><b>Q:</b> I am in possession of three Frank H. Taylor watercolor paintings, and would like to know if there would be interest in these, and if so, their approximate worth. My family is from Philadelphia, and these paintings have been in my family for more than 80 years.</p><p><i>K.W., Internet</i></p><p><b>A:</b> Frank H. Taylor, 1846-1926, was a Philadelphia artist. He produced a variety of landscapes, portraits of soldiers, marine and illustrations. Thus far, his paintings have sold for less than the $1,000 range. Currently, I think your watercolors would sell in the $250 to $500 range each. It would be wise to keep them for now or even pass them on in the family, as I suspect his work, especially being a Philadelphia artist, will go up in price.</p><p><center>■ ■ ■</center></p><p><b>Q:</b> I am enclosing a photo of a mezzotint print of a woman that is signed by Robert Burton Webb. There is a seal in the left-hand corner of the print. It is in the original frame and has been in the family for more than 50 years. I am curious to know if this has any value. The frame, itself, is in good condition, but the print is in excellent condition. </p><p><i>I., Internet</i></p><p><b>A:</b> I was not able to find any information about the artist R.B. Webb or any record of sales. The picture of the young woman fashionably dressed wearing a coral necklace is a beauty of the Victorian era. I think it would sell in the $100 to $200 range.</p><p><center>■ ■ ■</center></p><p><b>Q:</b> My wife is in possession of his-and-hers walking canes that either belonged to her grandparents or great grandparents. The canes are made of bamboo and measure 33 and 35 inches, respectively. All the metal couplings, tips and horse-head handles are made of brass. The tips are well worn and show much usage during their time. The canes unscrew into four pieces, including the tops of them. </p><p>I searched for any markings, but could not find anything. My wife and I would certainly appreciate any information you could pass along our way as to the approximate age, background, value and collector interest in these old family heirlooms.</p><p><i>K.F., Fort White</i></p><p><b>A:</b> Walking sticks and canes are a fascinating category of collecting. The variety of styles and types is practically endless. The two canes you own, more than likely, belonged to the grandparents. They are oldish reproductions and of no collector interest. They are made in sections to allow one to take them apart for portability, something not found in 18th and 19th century canes. Potential dollar value is catch-as-catch-can.</p><p><center>■ ■ ■</center></p><p><b>Q:</b> I am doing some research for my in-laws who have an extensive collection of Snoopy collectibles that their deceased daughter collected for about 45 years. The collection is fairly extensive, in excellent shape and in original packaging. The collection includes a book autographed by Charles Schultz with a hand-drawn picture. We have photographed the collection and have done some research on the items, but we have no clue as to where to go from here. Can you offer any suggestions?</p><p><i>M.D., Old Town</i></p><p><b>A:</b> I assume you are considering selling the collection. I suggest you contact Hakes Auction Company. They specialize in the category. The website is www.hakes.com. Let us know how things work out.</p><p><i>John Sikorski is an Ocala antiques dealer. He hosts a call-in radio show, "Sikorski's Attic,'' on WUFT-FM (89.1 FM). It can be heard each Saturday from noon to 1 p.m. Send your questions to Sikorski's Attic, c/o The Ocala Star-Banner, 2121 SW 19th Ave. Road, Ocala, FL 34471-7752, or email absantique@aol.com.</i></p>